iPad Pro & MacBook Pro: Supply bottlenecks point to update Apfelpatient

Apple appears to be on the verge of introducing new devices. There are indications of upcoming updates, especially for the iPad Pro and MacBook Pro. Declining inventory levels indicate that new versions of these models will be released soon. The Apple Vision Pro is also apparently due a minor update. As in recent years, Apple could unveil its new products again in October.

Anyone who has tried to order a new iPad Pro in the last few days may have noticed that delivery times have increased. Depending on the configuration chosen, Apple's website currently lists wait times of up to three weeks. Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman points this out. Such delivery delays are usually considered a sure sign that a model change is imminent. There are also initial indications of shortages with the MacBook Pro – albeit on a smaller scale. These changes in delivery times fit with speculation that Apple will introduce new iPads and Macs before the end of this month. At the same time, the Apple Vision Pro is also expected to receive a slightly revised version, albeit with only minor changes to the hardware.

Inventory levels and what they mean

Apple considers changes in inventory to be a clear signal of impending updates. When devices become more difficult to obtain, it is often because Apple is scaling back production of the older generation to make room for new models. With the current iPad Pro with the M4 chip, it is noticeable that certain configurations in particular are not immediately available. The picture is somewhat different for the MacBook Pro. Most variants are still readily available. Only the M4 base model is experiencing longer delivery times, especially for special configurations. These are not expected to be available again until the end of the month. This could indicate that Apple is preparing a refresh of its model range here as well. The Apple Vision Pro, which is expected to receive only minor improvements, on the other hand, appears to be still well available.

Timeline and expectations for the announcement

In recent years, Apple has regularly used October for hardware announcements. These have involved either traditional events or multiple press releases over a few days. Apple could take a similar approach this time too. With inventory already dwindling, the unveiling of new devices is likely not long in coming. It is still unclear whether Apple is planning an official event or will only present the new products via press release. So far, there has been no concrete indication of an event. But the changes in inventory levels indicate that the announcement is likely soon. In addition to new iPads and Macs, Apple is reportedly also working on other devices that could be released this year. These include the AirTag 2, a new Apple TV 4K with the A17 Pro chip, and a HomePod mini 2. These products could also be unveiled in the coming weeks or months, possibly in several stages until the end of the year.

Apple is apparently preparing to launch new models

Everything points to Apple using October to unveil a new generation of its flagship devices. The current shortages indicate that Apple is already beginning to phase out current models. This is usually the last sign before new products are introduced. For now, this means that anyone waiting for the next iPad Pro or MacBook Pro shouldn't have to wait much longer. It will soon be clear what Apple will be launching its next generation of Pro devices with. (Image: Shutterstock / Jujumin Chu)